Strike First and Gain the Upper Hand

Lady Zhu did not object to the old lady's decision, saying, "This year, because of Miss Xi's connections, we might receive invitations to many banquets. If you pretend to be sick, Mother, you won't be able to attend." This year is different from previous years. In the past, invitations from the upper echelons of society would never reach them. Even for invitations from the middle echelons, they would have to go to great lengths to obtain a few.

Putting everything else aside, they are guaranteed to attend the banquet hosted by the Prince of Zhennan's Residence this year.

"We used to attend banquets for the weddings of our children. Now we don't need to worry about Miss Xi's wedding, Young Master Tai still young, so there's no rush," the old lady said, waving her hand dismissively.

Seeing that her family members were in stable condition and had a solution in place, Zhao Ruxi felt relieved.

She said, "This matter is actually a dispute between the Beining Women's Academy and the Capital Women's Academy; I'm just an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. I'll go back and write a letter to Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui, and tell them about it."

"Go, go, hurry up and go," the old lady said.

Zhao Ruxi didn't return to her own courtyard. Instead, she went into the side hall, first instructing a servant to summon Ma Sheng, and then she wrote a letter describing the events that had just occurred.

Of course, she embellished her words, not saying that she couldn't stand Princess Pingyang's temper, but only that she was grateful for the kindness of Grand Princess Shangde and Madam Cui, so she declined Princess Pingyang's invitation. Princess Pingyang was very angry after being rejected, and she and her family felt very uneasy.

After writing the letter, Ma Sheng was already waiting at the door.

She first briefly explained the situation to Ma Sheng, then instructed him, "When you arrive in Beining, go to the Women's Academy and find Madam Cui Madam Cui. Tell her what happened, then have her take you to Grand Princess Shangde. After delivering the message, you probably won't be able to enter the city gates, so just stay in Beining."

"Yes, young lady. Don't worry, I will definitely take care of things." Ma Sheng bowed and left in a hurry.

Zhao Ruxi got up and went to the Kang Residence again.

Seeing that his young apprentice had only been home a short while before returning, Kang Shilin asked in surprise, "What happened? Did Consort Jin send someone to look for you?"

Zhao Ruxi nodded. "Yes, it was Princess Pingyang who came to find me."

She recounted what had happened.

"Originally, I didn't want to offend anyone and was planning to agree to go to the Capital Women's Academy. But her attitude was too rude. I was worried that if I went there, she would use her position as a teacher to order me to do some outrageous things, putting us in a very passive position, so I refused her."

Kang Shilin hadn't expected this at first. But after Zhao Ruxi mentioned it, his expression immediately turned serious.

"You did the right thing, that was a good refusal."

Kang Shilin was a man of unwavering integrity and incorruptibility throughout his life, never bowing his head to anyone.

If Zhao Ruxi were to enter the Capital Women's Academy, she would be under its roof and have no choice but to bow her head. For the sake of her little apprentice, he would have to swallow his Consort Jin and endure the humiliation of Consort Jin and Princess Pingyang. That would truly infuriate the old man.

Thinking of this, he praised her again, saying, "You're very thoughtful."

"I've already written to Grand Princess Shangde and told her about it. This trouble was caused by her, so let her sue the Capital Women's Academy. I came here just to inform you, so you won't be unaware if the Emperor asks about it later," she said.

"No." Kang Shilin shook his head and stood up. "I'll go to the palace right now and tell the Emperor about this."

"No need, Master," Zhao Ruxi quickly replied. "I've discussed it with my family. My grandmother said she'll feign illness, and neither my family nor I will attend the banquet. I think Consort Jin and Princess Pingyang won't be able to cause me any trouble. Given time, they won't hold onto this small matter. After I take the imperial examination again, this matter should be over."

"Come on," Kang Shilin glared at her. "Don't you know the saying 'strike first, or suffer the consequences'? You have to be the first to accuse someone. If Consort Jin whispers in my ear first, even if Shangde and I accuse him together, the Emperor might not side with you. Then Consort Jin and Pingyang can do whatever they want, and you'll suffer a great loss."

Seeing that Zhao Ruxi wanted to speak again, Kang Shilin waved his hand to stop her. "I know you don't want me to take the lead and want Grand Princess Shangde to be the first to do it, since she's the one who caused the trouble. But she's in Beining now, and it's too late for her to rush into the palace to file a complaint. You're my apprentice, and I have no reason to stand idly by and watch you suffer. Alright, stop nagging, I'm leaving."

With that, he took the painting he had done that afternoon, went straight out the door, and led his servants towards the palace gate.

Zhao Ruxi felt a warmth in her heart and did not try to dissuade her master any further.

There were reasons why Kang Shilin chose to enter the palace at this time.

Xiao Ge was quite diligent in his political affairs and favored Consort Jin. However, as a man, he also needed his own entertainment. He would often invite his close ministers to dine with him at this time, and afterwards they would compose poems, paint, and play chess until the palace gates were closed before letting them leave.

When he was feeling down, he would often confide in Kang Shilin and chat for a while.

Therefore, it was the perfect time for Kang Shilin to go to the palace to find Xiao Ge.

As Kang Shilin had predicted, Xiao Ge had just finished a meal with several ministers who had been discussing matters, and was now having his collection of paintings brought out by a eunuch so that they could admire them together.

Upon hearing the eunuch's report that Kang Shilin was requesting an audience, he turned to Wu Huaisi in surprise and said, "Why has the old man decided to come to the palace today?" He then instructed the eunuch, "Summon him quickly."

After thinking for a moment, he said to the ministers, "Let's stop here for today. If you wish to see more paintings, please come again tomorrow."

Kang Shilin didn't like being his confidant to his father, the Emperor. So unless they summoned him, he wouldn't come to the palace to see them on his own initiative.

Your uninvited appearance today must mean you have something to say.

Seeing that Wu Huaisi also bowed and took his leave along with everyone else, Xiao Ge did not try to stop him, and let him leave the palace with several ministers.

A moment later, Xiao Ge saw Kang Shilin enter with a serious face and hurriedly asked, "Uncle, what's wrong?"

Kang Shilin didn't beat around the bush and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I, Kang Shilin, will be sixty-eight after the New Year, and I don't have many years left to live. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to keep my young apprentice by my side."

"Pah, pah, what are you talking about during the New Year? Uncle, you're in good health and will surely live to be a hundred," Xiao Ge said.

After saying that, he asked again, "What's going on? What do you mean by allowing you to keep your little apprentice by your side? Who's trying to take your apprentice away from you?"

Kang Shilin sighed and told him what had happened.

He said, "You know I like peace and quiet and don't like trouble, so I went to Beining. There, I drank and chatted with people from the Northern Painting School, exchanging painting techniques. I was so happy. Although Zhiwei is busy teaching painting and studying, she would come to my place whenever she had free time, and occasionally even have a meal with me. My children and grandchildren are not good enough, but I love this child. Seeing her energetic appearance makes me eat two more bowls of rice."